Trail conditions
Banff National Park
Important information
Be extra cautious when engaging in any activities to avoid injury and/or getting lost to help minimize the demands placed on emergency response, search and rescue teams, and on the health care system.
CAUTION! Avalanche danger
You are responsible for your own safety. Check the Avalanche Bulletin for the latest conditions.
Vehicle parking is limited to designated areas only. Roadside parking is prohibited. Signage and monitoring will be used throughout the park to inform the public of parking restrictions and encourage compliance.
Dogs are not allowed on some of the groomed ski trails. Refer to the information below for restrictions. Keep dogs on leash and under physical control at all times.
Wildlife and you
Although bears are denning during the winter, they can awaken at any time for short periods. Cougars, wolves and other wildlife remain active throughout the year. Travel in groups, make noise, carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Closures and restrictions
For a complete list of ongoing closures and restrictions, please visit our Important Bulletins page.
For more information, please contact us:
Banff: 403-762-1550
Lake Louise: 403-522-3833
Share your trail pictures
Have you been hiking in the last few days? Share a few pictures with us as well as your impressions. This will help us keep this report accurate for other hikers.
Banff Area Winter Walking Trails
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Easy |
Marsh Winter Loop | Winter conditions. | 26-01-2023: Compact snow; Icy sections.; Cleats recommended; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Fenland Winter Trail | Winter conditions. | 26-01-2023: Compact snow; Icy sections.; Cleats recommended; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Stewart Canyon Winter Trail | Winter conditions. | 26-01-2023: Compact snow; Icy sections.; Cleats recommended; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Spray Winter Connector | Winter conditions. | 26-01-2023: Compact snow; Icy sections.; Cleats recommended; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Johnston Canyon Winter Trail | Winter conditions. | 26-01-2023: Compact snow; Icy sections.; Cleats recommended; | Trail details |
 Moderate |
Tunnel Mountain Summit Winter Trail | Winter conditions. | 26-01-2023: Compact snow; Icy sections.; Cleats recommended; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Sulphur Mountain Winter Trail | Winter conditions. | 26-01-2023: Compact snow; Icy sections.; Cleats recommended; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Sundance Canyon Winter Trail | Winter conditions. | 26-01-2023: Compact snow; Icy sections.; Cleats recommended; Snow covered sections; | Trail details |
Banff Area Snowshoeing Trails
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moderate |
Sulphur Mountain Westside Winter Trail | Winter conditions. | 26-01-2023: Compact snow; Icy sections.; Snowshoes or ice cleats recommended; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Tunnel Mountain Drive - Winter | Winter conditions. | 26-01-2023: Compact snow; Icy sections.; Snowshoes or ice cleats recommended; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Surprise Corner to Hoodoos Winter Trail | Winter conditions. | 26-01-2023: Compact snow; Icy sections.; Snowshoes or ice cleats recommended; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Johnson Lake Winter Trail | Winter conditions. | 26-01-2023: Compact snow; Icy sections.; Snowshoes or ice cleats recommended; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Upper Stoney Winter Loop | Winter conditions. | 26-01-2023: Compact snow; Icy sections.; Snowshoes or ice cleats recommended; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Ink Pots Winter Trail | Winter conditions. | 26-01-2023: Compact snow; Icy sections.; Snowshoes or ice cleats recommended; | Trail details |
Banff Area Fat Biking Trails
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy |
Tunnel Mountain Multi-use Winter Trails | Winter conditions. | 13-01-2023: Flat packed; Studded tires recommended; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Spray River East Winter Trail | Winter conditions. | 17-01-2023: Flat packed; Icy sections.; Studded tires recommended; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Sundance Winter Trail | Winter conditions. | 13-01-2023: Flat packed; Studded tires recommended; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Tunnel Bench Winter Loop | Excellent. | 22-01-2023: Studded tires recommended; Compact snow; Trail groomed; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Banff Avenue Winter Trail | Excellent. | 22-01-2023: Studded tires recommended; Compact snow; Trail groomed; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Lake Minnewanka Winter Trail | Winter conditions. | 22-01-2023: Numerous trees down on trail; Compact snow; Studded tires recommended; | Trail details |
Banff Area Cross-Country Ski Trails
Recent tracksetting: Jan 19 - Redearth Creek; Jan 6 - Tunnel Mountain Winter Trails; Jan 5 - Sundance Winter Trail, Healy Creek Winter Trail; Jan 2 - Spray River West, Spray River East, Goat Creek; Dec 31 - Cascade Valley - Lake Minnewanka trailhead to Upper Bankhead, Lake Minnewanka to Cascade River Bridge; Cascade River Bridge to Stoney Creek;
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy |
Spray River Winter: West Trail | Fair. | 08-01-2023: Double trackset classic and skate; No dogs allowed; Icy sections.; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Spray River Winter: East Trail | Fair. | 08-01-2023: Single trackset classic; Flat packed; No dogs allowed; Icy sections.; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Tunnel Mountain Winter Trails | Fair. | 06-01-2023: Double trackset classic; No dogs allowed; Icy sections.; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Cascade Valley Winter Trail: Lake Minnewanka Parking to Upper Bankhead | Fair. | 31-12-2022: Double trackset classic and skate; No dogs allowed; Freeze / thaw cycle; Icy sections.; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Cascade Valley Winter Trail: Lake Minnewanka Parking to Cascade River Bridge | Fair. | 08-01-2023: Double trackset classic and skate; No dogs allowed; Icy sections.; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Cascade Valley Winter Trail: Cascade River Bridge to Stoney Creek | Good. | 31-12-2022: Single trackset classic; No dogs allowed; Flat packed; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Healy Creek Winter Trail | Fair. | 05-01-2023: Single trackset classic; Flat packed; Freeze / thaw cycle; Icy sections.; Debris on trail; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Brewster Creek Winter Trail | Fair. | 13-01-2023: Snowmobile packed; Thin snow cover over uneven surface. More snow is needed to cover rocks, roots and creeks; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Sundance Winter Trail | Fair. | 05-01-2023: Double trackset classic and skate; Freeze / thaw cycle; Icy sections.; Tracks filled in with wind blown snow; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Goat Creek Winter Trail | Good. | 02-01-2023: Single trackset classic; Flat packed; Adhere to all posted warnings and closures along trails; No dogs allowed; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Redearth Creek Winter Trail | Variable conditions. | 19-01-2023: Single trackset classic; Flat packed; No dogs allowed; | Trail details |
Bow Valley Parkway Cross-Country Ski Trails
Closure in Mt. Protection campground area due to wildfire risk reduction activity.
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy |
Baker Creek to Protection Mountain Campground | See comment section | 18-01-2023: Trackset classic; Detour required due to wildfire risk reduction work in Protection Mt campground area; Smoke may be visible during burning of debris; Respect all posted notices and signs; Check the important bulletins for more information; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Castle Junction Cross-country Ski Trails: Trail #1 - Castle Junction to Castle Mountain Lookout | Variable conditions. | 18-01-2023: Trackset classic; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Castle Junction Cross-country Ski Trails: Trail #2 | Variable conditions. | 18-01-2023: Trackset classic; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Castle Junction Cross-country Ski Trails: Trail #3 | Variable conditions. | 18-01-2023: Trackset classic; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Protection Mountain Campground to Castle Mountain Lookout | See comment section | 18-01-2023: Trackset classic; Detour required due to wildfire risk reduction work in Protection Mt campground area; Smoke may be visible during burning of debris; Respect all posted notices and signs; Check the important bulletins for more information; | Trail details |
Lake Louise Area Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking Trails
Winter conditions. Avalanche risk! When travelling beyond the marked trails, or past an avalanche danger sign, assume that you are in avalanche country - your group should be prepared with the appropriate knowledge, skills and equipment. For more information on winter travel and how to stay safe in the mountains, visit parksmountainsafety.ca
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moderate |
"Highline" trail to Paradise Creek | Winter conditions. | 21-01-2023: Avalanche Risk rated as Simple Class 1 terrain - at km 1, the trail crosses the runout zone of an avalanche path which rarely runs; Snow covered; Snowshoes recommended; Deadfall on trail; Dogs on leash permitted; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail | Winter conditions. | 21-01-2023: Snow covered; Cleats recommended; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Fairview Lookout Trail | Winter conditions. | 21-01-2023: Snowshoe packed; Snowshoes or ice cleats recommended; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Louise Creek Trail | Winter conditions. | 21-01-2023: Snowshoe packed; Snowshoes or ice cleats recommended; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Laggan's Loop | Winter conditions. | 21-01-2023: Snow covered; Snowshoes recommended; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Mirror Lake, via Lake Agnes Trail | Winter conditions. | 21-01-2023: Avalanche risk: Sections of this trail cross avalanche terrain. Beyond Mirror Lake, the trail is rated as Challenging Class 2 for avalanche exposure and travel requires appropriate avalanche training and equipment; Snowshoes or ice cleats recommended; | Trail details |
 Difficult |
Taylor Lake Trail | Winter conditions. | 21-01-2023: Snow covered; Snowshoes recommended; Avalanche danger beyond reaching the lake; | Trail details |
Lake Louise Area Cross-Country Ski Trails
Recent tracksetting: Jan 26 - Moraine Lake Road (to viewpoint); Great Divide Trail; Upper and Lower Tramline; Lower Telemark; Jan 21 - Campground Loop; Bow River Loop. Jan 20 - Fairview (single trackset). Jan 19 - Pipestone; Hector; Merlin; Drummond; Lake Louise surface; Upper Telemark; Peyto. Jan 18 - Townsite. Jan 13 - Lake Louise Shoreline.
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy |
Moraine Lake Road | Good. | 26-01-2023: Double trackset classic and skate; Avalanche risk: Beyond the viewpoint the trail crosses large avalanche paths.; Please walk, snowshoe or fat bike beside tracks set, not on tracks; When trailhead parking is full, access Moraine Lake Road via Upper Tramline trail and park at Lake Louise parking lot.; No dogs allowed; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Fairview Loop | Good. | 20-01-2023: Single trackset classic; No dogs allowed; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Lower Tramline | Good. | 26-01-2023: Single trackset classic; Please walk, snowshoe or fat bike beside tracks set, not on tracks; No dogs allowed; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Upper Tramline | Good. | 26-01-2023: Single trackset classic; Please walk, snowshoe or fat bike beside tracks set, not on tracks; No dogs allowed; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Lake Louise Loop | Fair. | 19-01-2023: Lake Louise Loop is made up of two separately maintained trails: Lake Louise shoreline and Lake Surface ; Lake Louise shoreline - good; Lake Louise surface is fair due to icy and slushy conditions; | Trail details |
| Difficult |
Upper Telemark | Good. | 19-01-2023: Double trackset classic; No dogs allowed; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Great Divide Trail | Good. | 26-01-2023: Double trackset classic and skate; No dogs allowed; Please walk, snowshoe or fat bike beside tracks set, not on tracks; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Peyto Trail | Good. | 19-01-2023: Double trackset classic; No dogs allowed; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Lower Telemark | Good. | 26-01-2023: Single trackset classic; No dogs allowed; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Bow River Loop | Good. | 21-01-2023: Single trackset classic; Please walk, snowshoe or fat bike beside tracks set, not on tracks; Dogs on leash permitted; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Campground Loop | Good. | 21-01-2023: Double trackset classic and skate; Dogs on leash permitted; Please walk or snowshoe beside tracks set, not on tracks; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Pipestone Loop | Good. | 19-01-2023: Single trackset classic; Dogs on leash permitted; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Townsite | Good. | 19-01-2023: Single trackset classic; Dogs on leash permitted; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Hector | Good. | 19-01-2023: Single trackset classic; Dogs on leash permitted; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Drummond | Good. | 19-01-2023: Single trackset classic; Dogs on leash permitted; | Trail details |
| Easy |
Merlin | Good. | 19-01-2023: Single trackset classic; Dogs on leash permitted; | Trail details |
Bow Summit Area on Icefields Parkway
Winter conditions. Avalanche risk! When travelling beyond the marked trails, or past an avalanche danger sign, assume that you are in avalanche country - your group should be prepared with the appropriate knowledge, skills and equipment. For more information on winter travel and how to stay safe in the mountains, visit parksmountainsafety.ca
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy |
Peyto Lake Viewpoint | Winter conditions. | 21-01-2023: Snowshoes or ice cleats recommended; | Trail details |
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